Emery/Weiner hoopsters trying to find playoff form

Published 1:53 pm, Monday, December 31, 2012

Emery's Hayden Turk has been one of the bright spots this season for the Jaguars, who travel to Katy to take on Pope John XXIII Tuesday.

Emery's Hayden Turk has been one of the bright spots this season for the Jaguars, who travel to Katy to take on Pope John XXIII Tuesday.

Photo: Matthew White, Freelance

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Sammy Levin of Emery fights to pass Hersh Buotin of Beren as he charges up the court Tuesday night.

Sammy Levin of Emery fights to pass Hersh Buotin of Beren as he charges up the court Tuesday night.

Photo: Matthew White, Freelance

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Josh Gordon of Emery charges up the court as he is challenged by Albert Katz of Beren.

Josh Gordon of Emery charges up the court as he is challenged by Albert Katz of Beren.

Photo: Matthew White, Freelance

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Sammy Levin of Emery watches as his shot goes up for an attempt at two points Tuesday during the Beren game.

Sammy Levin of Emery watches as his shot goes up for an attempt at two points Tuesday during the Beren game.

Photo: Matthew White, Freelance

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Sammy Levin of Emery lines up his shot under pressure from Albert Katz and Hersh Buotin of Beren.

Sammy Levin of Emery lines up his shot under pressure from Albert Katz and Hersh Buotin of Beren.

Photo: Matthew White, Freelance

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Brad Resh of Emery lines up his shot for two points Tuesday night during the Beren game.

Brad Resh of Emery lines up his shot for two points Tuesday night during the Beren game.

Photo: Matthew White, Freelance

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Emery head coach Patrick Pellerin talks with his team Tuesday evening before their game with Beren.

Emery head coach Patrick Pellerin talks with his team Tuesday evening before their game with Beren.

Photo: Matthew White, Freelance

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Jaguar sophomore Sammy Levin is averaging 13 points per game this season.

Jaguar sophomore Sammy Levin is averaging 13 points per game this season.

Photo: Matthew White, Freelance

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Emery head coach Patrick Pellerin.

Emery head coach Patrick Pellerin.

Photo: Matthew White, Freelance

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Emery/Weiner hoopsters trying to find playoff form

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The first half of the season hasn't been much fun for the Emery/Weiner boys basketball team.

But, with TAPPS District 4-4A play getting under way next week, head coach Patrick Pellerin is confident that the Jaguars, currently 3-9, can turn things around.

"We have guys who are still pretty new to the game," said Pellerin, noting that Emery/Weiner graduated nine seniors. "We only have five returning players. We're in rebuilding mode."

However, Pellerin believes Emery/Weiner has a shot at reaching the TAPPS Class 4A playoffs for the first time in the program's history. While TAPPS District 4-4A features contenders such as Westbury Christian, Fort Bend Christian, Second Baptist and Lutheran North, the league lost Tomball Concordia Lutheran, which moved up to 5A.

"With Concordia Lutheran leaving, it helps a little. It frees up a (playoff) spot," Pellerin said. "We should be able to get fifth place."

The Jaguars open TAPPS District 4-4A play at Katy Pope John XXIII at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8.

While Emery/Weiner has several new players, the formula is still the same. Lacking height, the Jaguars must rely on their fast pace and shooting.

Josh Gordon, a 5-foot-9 senior, has led the way at point guard, averaging 14 points and 3.5 assists.

"Josh is a great shooter," Pellerin said. "More importantly, he's the one who controls the tempo. As Josh goes, so goes the team."

Sophomore Sammy Levin, a 5-9 shooting guard, has been an important member of the backcourt, contributing 13 points.

"Sammy has a nice shot and plenty of range," Pellerin said. "He's also been a spark for us defensively."

Twins Brad and Josh Resh, both 6-0 seniors, start at forward and wing, respectively. Brad Resh is averaging four points and five rebounds, while Josh Resh adds eight points.

"Brad plays strong down low and is one of our top rebounders," Pellerin said. "Josh has an exceptional shot and is one of our better ball-handlers and passers. He's our triple threat."

Rounding out the starting five is freshman Tyler Cohen, a 6-3 forward/post. Cohen (seven points, four rebounds) has been a pleasant surprise for the Jaguars.

"Tyler is the tallest guy on the team, but he has smooth hands," Pellerin said. "He's going to be an outstanding player."

The bench features 5-8 seniors Charlie Midlo and Andy Ginsberg at guard and 6-1 senior Will Blumrosen at forward.

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Emery/Weiner file

Bouncing back: The Emery/Weiner boys basketball team is off to a 3-9 start, but head coach Patrick Pellerin believes the Jaguars can reverse their fortunes. Emery/Weiner relies on a guard-heavy line-up led by senior point guard Josh Gordon.

Holes to fill: With only a handful of returning players, Emery/Weiner's girls face long odds in TAPPS District 4-4A. But the Jaguars have remained competitive, anchored by junior post Mikela Tucker and senior point guard Taylor Bookstaff.

Fresh start: Emery/Weiner opens TAPPS District 4-4A play on the road on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Katy Pope John XXIII, with the girls taking the court at 6 p.m. and the boys to follow at 7:30 p.m.

Despite the subpar start, Pellerin thinks there is still ample time for Emery/Weiner to make its move.

"Once we start hitting a few more shots, the confidence will grow," Pellerin said.

"I don't blame Sarah," said Emery/Weiner head coach Terry Tucker. "Sarah felt volleyball was her ticket (to a college scholarship). She had to do what's best for her."

But Tucker acknowledged that the Jaguars, who took a 6-4 record to the Fort Bend Holiday Classic last week, aren't the same without Friedman's towering presence inside the paint.

"You could always count on Sarah giving you 10-12 points and as many rebounds," Tucker said. "It's left a huge void."

However, Tucker felt Emery/Weiner faced long odds, even if Friedman had returned.

"We only have two other girls who played a whole lot," Tucker said. "The rest of them are role players."

Mikela Tucker, a 6-2 junior, took Friedman's place, shifting from forward to post. Although out of position, Tucker has averaged 19 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks while garnering plenty of attention from college recruiters.